Qatari striker Almoez Ali in action during a training session in Rio de Janeiro yesterday, ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Brazil.
RIO DE JANEIRO: Qatar’s star striker Almoez Ali is looking forward to delivering for Qatar at their Copa America debut later this month when he hopes to impress player scouts at the June 14-July 7 tournaments.
Ali, an Aspire Academy graduate, was declared the MVP in Qatar’s title-winning run at this year’s Asian Cup in the UAE.
“There are significant differences in the manner in which we play and the teams appearing at Copa America,” Ali said in an interview yesterday.
“Our team is participating for the first time and the team is really looking forward to doing well,” he added.
Qatar face former World Cup winners Argentina, Paraguay and Colombia in their Group A matches of the 12-team tournament.
“It’s a big tournament and teams like Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay will be there. It will be a historic opportunity to play with these strong teams,” he said.
“Our group includes Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay. We will also play a friendly match with Brazil on June 5 (at the iconic Maracana Stadium).”
“It will be a good experience and a strong preparation for this tournament, where everything will be different for us and the atmosphere we will be playing as international players for the first time in our history,” Ali said.
Ali promised that he and his team-mates would spare no effort to make the Qatari fans happy as they did in the last Asian Cup in the UAE.
“We will try to play in a positive manner, reflecting an honourable image of the Asian champions,” Ali said.
“This is an honour for us as a group of special players,” he said.
“Copa America is one of the oldest and fiercely contested championships. I look forward to showing the best of myself. It is an important step in my career. I know there will be player scouts who will follow me,” he said.
As for the chances of the Qatari team to move beyond the group stage, Ali said: “The championship is certainly difficult, with big teams and big football stars. Most of them are top professionals in the European leagues. However, our confidence is great as players, we are one team. We are showing a good picture that reflects the development of Qatari football in recent years.”
He added in the interview with DPA: “We respect all the competitors without exception, and as I told you, we have great confidence in ourselves to face the big players. We only hope that we will succeed, but in football there is no such thing as guaranteed results.”
Ali said: “The team atmosphere in the camp in Brazil is very special and all the players are enjoying it. The technical staff has been here to get to know the atmosphere and help us adapt to the atmosphere in Brazil.”
The tall Qatari striker said coach Felix Sanchez is helping Qatar prepare a strong side for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“We are not under pressure to appear well. We look at this tournament as a preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” Ali said.
“Like I said, we are aware of how difficult the teams will be at Copa. Hopefully we will do well,” he added.
“Our group is already one of the toughest. Argentina and Colombia have won this event. Paraguay has a group of young players who are looking to get well and prepare for the 2022 World Cup,” he said.
“But we are ready for these strong confrontations,” he said.
Ali said his generation is greatly influenced by the professional players from Brazil, Argentina and other South American countries appearing in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) every season.
“We have benefited from the South American players who have played in the Qatari league over the past years. They have had a significant impact on our players. I am talking about players like Felipe George and Emerson with Al Sadd and Adilson Jr etc. They helped improve the standards,” he said.
